I finally fixed the Jeeps starting problems! After a week of cold nights outside trouble shooting almost the entire ignition process, the solution was found. After replacing the starter motor, the ignition coil, the distributor cap and rotor, I got a suggestion from someone on www.jeepforum.com that it could be the Ignition Control Module. I had never heard of it, and the Haynes Manual for the Jeep hardly made a mention of it.

The Ignition Control Module was hidden underneath the engine coolant tank and mounted to the fender wall - on the other side from all the other ignition parts. I unbolted it (only breaking one bolt due to its extreme decay) and found it to be in bad shape. It was all corroded and looked like it was found in a melted salty snowbank. I took it to get it tested, but all the Autozone stores said they couldnt test it. So I bought a new one.

I put it back in the Jeep, and voila - it started right up! Then I found a construcion site and tested out the 4 wheel drive low gears. I drove it up some muddy dirt pile and sprayed mud all over. It was fun.